“What are the side effects of colon resection surgery?”

Thank you for your question. The answer to your question regarding side effects from colon resection surgery is not simple. Multiple factors influence the side effects or one's clinical course after colon resection depending on why surgery is indicated, extent of colon resection, the need for radiation, chemotherapy, possible associated perforation pre- operatively & soiling of the abdominal cavity, your underlying pre-operative physiological condition, need for exteriorization of the residual colon to the outside of the abdominal cavity, how anesthesia might affect you in the immediate post-operative period, and many additional factors. Your surgeon will provide his opinion regarding what you specifically should anticipate from the effects of colon resection to be performed. Please ask this question directly to your surgeon, he best can provide you with answers that might emerge following your resection, he will augment with additional issues once he has successfully concluded your surgical procedure. My experience has been, that asking your internist or family physician on this matter will possibly create differences in opinions divergent from what your surgeon will provide. My firm opinion is the surgeon BEST knows what may evolve for you since the surgeon knows these matters intimately and has performed many similar procedures on many other patients. Best wishes for an uncomplicated & swift recovery.

The side effects of colon resection surgery depend on the reason for the resection in the first place. The disease process will dictate the side effects and the amount of colon that will be resected. Some side effects can be diarrhea, and bloating and the associated pathology